Liverpool have sent a message of support to Adelaide United defender Josh Cavallo.
The 21-year-old became the only current openly gay male top-flight professional footballer, after he shared an open letter on social media.
Cavallo said in his statement that he is “finally comfortable” to speak out after “hiding who I truly am” in order to pursue his career as a footballer.
"It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out," he said.
Having received widespread support from the world of football, the Reds shared their own admiration for Cavallo’s decision.
“Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo for your strength and bravery. You'll Never Walk Alone #RedTogether”, the club tweeted.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously shown his support for LGBTQ+ causes when he met with fans group Kop Outs in August .
Cavallo said in his open letter on Wednesday: "I have been fighting my sexuality for six years now and I'm glad I can put that to rest.
"Growing up I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed - ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay.
"Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn't crossed paths before.
“I’ve lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about.”
The number of openly gay footballers in the women’s game is significantly higher than in the men’s side of the sport.
Former Everton midfielder and Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger is one of the most high-profile openly gay male footballers, having come out publically in 2014 after he retired.
Robbie Rodgers, who played for Leeds United, also came out as he was retiring but returned to LA Galaxy later in his career.
